#baked falafel

[jackiealpers]

baked falafel tostadas recipe-Jackie-Alpers-food photographer by Jackie Alpers Via Flickr: Air-fryer falafel tostadas with tahini, shredded cabbage pickled red onions and feta. Recipe: thesiliconekitchen.com/blogs/recipes/recipe-falafel-tostadas and food photography by Jackie Alpers for The Silicone Kitchen.

[nodssalementriche]

Meal + dessert! 🤎

[hebrewbyinbal]

Imagine you're wandering through a lively Israeli market, surrounded by the hustle and bustle.

You spot a charming bakery selling Challah bread – this isn't just bread; it's an invitation to connect with the locals.

When you confidently ask for a Challah bread like a local, you're not just getting bread; you're engaging in a warm cultural exchange.

Locals will appreciate your effort to embrace their traditions, and you might even strike up a conversation with a friendly baker who shares stories of their family's secret Challah recipe.

Same goes for our Pita. When you confidently order a Pita for your falafel or sabich like a local, you're not just satisfying your hunger; you're becoming part of the local food culture.

It's an unspoken bond with the vendor, a nod of appreciation for their craft. You might even receive extra toppings or a friendly smile for your efforts.

In essence, mastering the pronunciation of these words goes beyond mere linguistics; it's your ticket to authentic experiences and connections in Israel.

It's about embracing the culture, forming real-life connections, and savoring every bite as if you've been a part of this vibrant tapestry all along. 🥖🫓🇮🇱

[fieriframes]

[A little baking soda? Just a pinch. It helps create a little pillowiness. This is my little falafel scooper.]

[shalom-iamcominghome]

In keeping with my desire to keep kosher-style, I'm going to be making some kosher falafel from a mix, and while falafel is enjoyed by a ton of diverse people, I've always associated falafel as a sort of jewish-style food, even before I really understood why. I've never had it before, but seeing as it's kosher (the mix), I wanted to see what it would be like.

[gkonboard]

Delicious Homemade Falafel Recipe: A Middle Eastern Delight! சத்தான ரெசிபி செம ஈஸி

[najia-cooks]

[ID: A group of pastry pinwheels on a blue plate next to a bowl of yoghurt garnished with parsley. End ID]

صفيحة يافاوية / Safiha yafawiyya (Yaffan pinwheels)

The dish

صَفِيحَة يَافَاوِيَّة ("ṣafīḥa yāfāwīyya") is a type of safiha, or flatbread, believed to have originated in the coastal city of يافا (yāfā; "Yaffa," sometimes "Jaffa"). While other versions of safiha consist of a flat piece of dough topped with meat, Yaffan safiha are made by rolling dough out to a transparent thinness, folding it to enclose a filling of meat or spinach, and then whirling it around into a pinwheel shape. More highly valued in Yaffa than flat safiha, Yaffan safiha inspires proprietary feelings amongst residents and emigrants. The technique has, however, spread to other areas in Palestine, as well as to Alexandria, Egypt, where a large number of Yaffan exiles have resettled.

Yaffan safiha may also be called "حواية" ("ḥawāya"), after a kind of towel that is stitched into a spiral and placed on top of the head to cushion it while carrying jugs of water, or trays that are hot from the oven. One Yaffan woman remembers her mother assembling these pastries at home and then bringing them, in a large copper tray, to the baker, so they could be cooked in a shared oven for a small fee. The baker's wife would have to wait to use the oven another day. The usage of communal ovens by those who do not have an oven in their home is still common practice in rural areas of Palestine.

Traditionally, the dough used to make Yaffan safiha includes only flour, salt, oil, and water. Some modern Palestinian recipes leaven the dough with baking powder; or include milk powder as a way to use food aid from NGOs, which seek to alleviate the effects of the Israeli occupation's extreme restriction of transport, travel, and agricultural activities on Palestinians' diets. With a spinach filling and without milk powder, the safa'ih may be described as "صيامي" ("ṣiyāmī): a word derived from "صِيَام" ("ṣiyām"; "fast") but which, due to the abstention from meat mandated during the Lenten fast, is colloquially used to mean "vegetarian."

Golden brown and fragrant with olive oil, these safa'ih combine layers of crisp, flaky dough with a savory, well-spiced filling. Recipes for both a 'meat' and a spinach filling are provided. A side of yoghurt and a garnish of mint round out the flavors of the filling and add tanginess and textural contrast.

[ID: Close-up of two pinwheels cut open to reveal a spinach filling and a 'meat' filling between thin layers of pastry. End ID]

The Bride of Palestine

Yaffa is a port city with an ancient history which, until the 20th century, was the largest Arab city in, and the cultural and economic capital of, Palestine. For this reason it has sometimes been called عروس" "فلسطين ("'arūs filasṭīn"); "The Bride of Palestine." With the 1909 founding of the nearby Tel Aviv, Yaffa began to be considered its "twin" or "sister" ("האחיות") city; it had a distinctly Arab character where Tel Aviv was almost entirely Jewish. Yaffa was thus considered in disctinctly racialized terms: both attraction and threat; a source of authentic rootedness in the land which could be tapped, but also a potentially contagious bastion of Oriental "weak[ness]" ("חליש").

Yaffa had been a popular destination for culinary tourism in Mandate Palestine, with young settlers heading to the seaside to escape from religious studies and religious dietary restrictions—associated with diaspora Judaism and a lack of connection to a homeland—and to eat earthier Arab foods such as hummus, falafel, kebab, and ful.

In 1948, Zionist paramilitary organization Irgun dropped several tons of British bombs on major civilian areas of Yaffa in order to overwhelm resistance and empty the city of its Arab population; they destroyed the much of the Old City in the process. The neighborhood of المنشية (Manshiya) was destroyed shortly thereafter. Beginning in December of 1948, Yaffa was, part by part, annexed to Tel Aviv.

Today, despite the annexation and the Hebraization of the street signs, Yaffa maintains an Arab character in popular discourse. The call to prayer is heard in the streets, and the أبو العافي (Abulafia) bakery and أبو حسن (Abu Hassan) hummus restaurant and remain where they have been since the 1760s and 1970s, respectively. But increasing gentrification, rising rent prices, cafes and restaurants which cater to tourists and settlers, and the construction of Jewish-only residential projects threaten to continue the ethnic cleansing of the ancient city.

Yaffan Cuisine

Israeli occupation has tended to collapse some of the regional distinctions within Palestinian cuisine, as Palestinians are forced into exile or else crowded into Gaza and into smaller and smaller enclaves within the West Bank. Some dishes, however, still have variations that are associated with particular cities. Stuffed red carrots (محشي الجزر الأحمر; "maḥshi al-jazar al-'aḥmar"), cored and filled with rice and spiced meat, are a dish common throughout Palestine but cooked differently everywhere: in a sauce of lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and red tahina in Gaza; in tamarind paste in Al-Quds and Ramallah; and in orange juice in the orange-rich Yaffa region. Abu Hassan restaurant serves مسبحة (msabbaha), a Yaffan classic in which chickpeas and tahina are mixed with green chili pepper, and lemon juice.

Donate to an evacuation fund

Buy an eSim for use in Gaza

Help Anera provide food in Gaza

Ingredients:

For the dough (makes 32):

500g flour (4 cups + 1 Tbsp)

1 tsp table salt

2 Tbsp olive oil

Enough water to form a soft, tacky dough (about 1 3/4 cup / 500mL)

For the meat filling (makes 16):

125g vegetarian ground beef (as a substitute for minced lamb)

1 small yellow onion, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste

1/2 Tbsp ground sumac

1/2 Tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional)

For the spinach filling (makes 16):

500g spinach, washed and chopped

1 tsp kosher salt, for removing water

1 small yellow onion, minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp table salt, or to taste

Squeeze of lemon juice

1 tsp shatta (hot red pepper paste)

1/2 Tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional)

Some recipes include sumac in the spinach filling, but this is not considered traditional.

Instructions:

For the dough:

1. Measure dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Add oil and mix briefly. Add water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together into a slightly tacky ball. Knead for five minutes, until smooth and elastic.

2. Divide dough into 16 balls of about 50g each. Roll it out into a cylinder and cut it in half repeatedly; or weigh the dough using a kitchen scale and divide by 16.

3. Pour some olive oil in a tray or baking sheet and coat each dough ball. Leave them on the tray, covered, to rest while you prepare the fillings.

For the meat filling:

1. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil on medium-high. Add meat and fry, stirring often, until nearly cooked through.

2. Add onions, salt, and spices and fry until onion is translucent.

3. Remove from heat. Stir in sumac and pomegranate molasses. Taste and adjust. Let cool.

For the spinach filling:

1. Mix spinach with salt and let sit 10-15 minutes. Squeeze to remove excess water.

2. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in medium-high. Fry onion, salt, and pepper for a minute until translucent.

3. Combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust salt.

To assemble:

1. Oil a clean work surface, as well as your hands. Spread a dough ball out into a very thin, translucent circle by repeatedly patting with your fingers while pushing outwards. Be sure to push outwards from the center so that the circle does not become too thin at the edges. A few small holes are okay, since the dough will be folded and rolled in on itself.

2. Cut the circle in half with a sharp knife. Spread 1/16 of either filling in a thin line along the cut edge, leaving a margin of 1 cm (1/2") or so.

3. Roll the edge of the dough (the cut edge) over to encase the filling. Continue rolling, trying as much as possible to exclude air, until you have a long rope of dough.

4. Roll the rope around in a tight spiral. Tuck the very end of the dough underneath and press to seal. Place on a preparing baking sheet.

5. Repeat until the filling and dough are used up. Meanwhile, preheat an oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Bake the safiha in the top third of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden in color. 

Serve warm with yoghurt.

[little-lost-lamb]

The Sting of Envy Pt. 2

CW: GN!MC, hurt/comfort, angst, occult practice, fluff, Demons Being Overall Taller Than Humans On Average, Mention of Israeli food, and - of course - jealousy. Please let me know if there is anything I didn't think to add!

<- Part 1

I want to thank everyone for their support of my first part! I've been out of the writing game for a long time, and it really helped motive me to continue!

_____________________________________________________________

Beelzebub 

Beelzebub tells anyone who asks that his favorite food is cheeseburgers, but this is not quite true. His favorite food is your cooking. So when you keep serving him warm, fresh-baked bread and crispy spinach salad topped with handpicked flowers and nuts and creamy, piping hot wild mushroom risotto and seconds and thirds and FOURTHS, he is in the Celestial Realm. He supposed the menu was carefully thought out, showcasing ingredients locally in season for the spring. He loved human realm food. It reminded him of you, and not just because it’s native the human realm - human cuisine had the capacity for both the sinful and the divine. Just like you. And so, the meal had him nearly moaning in ecstasy against his spoon.

“This is incredible, MC.” Solomon says, meticulously scooping a perfectly balanced bite of rice, cheese, mushroom, and chive. “This is even better than the risotto we had in that little place in Rome. What was that place called?” Solomon looks at you and thoroughly cleans the risotto off his spoon with his mouth. You laugh.

“Solomon, no, no way! That stuff was next level!”

Solomon shrugs before going in for another bite off his plate. “I’m telling you, yours is better.”

“When were you in Rome?” Lucifer inquires, cocking his head with interest. “When did you have the time?”

“Couple Tuesdays ago, I think.” Solomon muffled between bites while Barbatos shot him a look that told him to chew before speaking. Solomon shrugged it off. “Sometimes when we feel like eating out, we’ll go wherever the cuisine strikes our fancy. MC takes me to this Israeli restaurant in New York City about every other week!”

Beel’s brow furrows as he goes in for another bite. It sounds like before you left, what you and he used to do together. Schedule permitting, you were always down to take him wherever his stomach led him. Hell’s Kitchen for the third time that week? Sure! That brand new place with the deep fried vampire bats on sticks? You bet! They restocked flame-charred bone flavored ice cream at the stand down the street from RAD? You might even be willing to skip Chaos Theory to go with him! 

Your foodie dates were one of his all-time favorite things you did together.

“Pfft. You know I can’t do teleportations that big or that frequently yet. You take me.”

Like how Beel would take you all over town, farther if they had some spare time, to try all that the demon realm had to offer. You couldn’t always eat it, you didn’t always like it, but you were always down to try demon cuisine. Try new things in general. He loved that about you.

“Agree to disagree.” Solomon leaned a little closer to you. “I just appreciate you escorting me on so many dates.”

You shrug nonchalantly. “I’m just in it for the falafel.” 

Solomon chuckles and smiles fondly at you. He gently tucks a pesky piece of hair behind your ear, keeping it from flying into your mouth with your bread. “Try the hamin next time. I think you’ll like it.”

The heat rose in Beel cheeks, and he subtly sighed out some of his frustration through his nostrils. He glances briefly over to Belphie, and they communicate something to each other with their eyes. Finally, Beel puts his spoon down and Belphie shrugs, picking up another bite with his own.

“I’m done.” Beel says softly.

Not full. Never full. Done.

After everyone has finished with ample time for conversation, you shuffle back to the kitchen to get the desserts. You had prepared an assortment of fresh berries and cream with honey cakes. 

“Beel! Can you help me carry this?” You shout, and you lean casually against the counter to wait for him.

“Carry what?” Beel walks in to help and looks around for the heavy item only for his eyes to fall on the light-weight desserts. “Just…need some extra hands?” Beel asks as he reaches for the dish, but you stop him with a hand on his.

“Are you okay? You didn’t eat much.” You look up into his face, recognizing sadness in it. 

“I ate 5 or 6 plates.”

You raise an eyebrow. Beel sighs, gently reaching for your hand and holding it firmly in his own to ground himself.

“You don’t…like the food here more than in the devildom, do you?”

Your brows furrow with concern. “You…know I do. Most of it won’t kill me.”

Beelzebub shakes his head quickly. “My fault, bad question. New question: do you enjoy…” Beel’s voice cracks ever so slightly. “Do you like eating with Solomon more? You know…than me?”

Yours eyes widen in horror and your heart cracks. All you can think to do is throw yourself into his enormous frame. You bury your face into the soft fabric of the shirt before turning your head to speak, still resting your cheek against his quickly-thumping chest. 

“You’re upset because you and I go out on foodie tours and stuff too, right? It’s our thing.”

“It’s our thing.” Beel answered, wrapping his arms around you firmly. You feel the point of his chin rest against the top of your head.

“And it will always be our thing. Solomon and I eat out so often out of necessity. I don’t always have the energy to focus on planning and making our meals, and the man can’t cook, Beel. Then the human realm's food will kill me.”

You got a smile out of Beel on that one.

“But with you, we go out, and we shove things I once couldn’t even conceptualize down my gullet. You show me fun and fantastical foods I wouldn’t try on my own. That I couldn’t try. We don’t have that stuff here. It’s an experience. You are an experience. And you’re my favorite.”

You lean back just a little, separating only enough to see a wide grin and misty eyes. You reach over and stick your clean finger into the bowl of cream before smearing it playfully on Beel’s lips. 

“Oops!” You exclaim, smearing it on his lips. You raise up and squish the cream against Beels lips with your own. You hear a dreamy sigh from him before he pulls away and licks his lips. A giddy giggle escapes his creamy mouth. He reaches for the cream too, except he takes a thick glob and smears it from your cheek, across your mouth, and down your neck. 

“Oops.”

He starts with your neck.

Belphegor

They said to make himself at home, so he will, thank you very much. Now where was MC’s bed?

He passes the bathroom and opens the knob to a door nearby, figuring this was probably it, and he pushes it open with the subtle crack of the doorframe. He is immediately punished with a wave of Solomon’s scent - a musky mix of exotic spice and  incense smoke. Yours was thickly mixed into the sorcerers, the fusion of smells emanating from one bed in the center of the room. 

No. 

Belphie suddenly feels the irritated flick of his tail and the weight of his horns that have appeared against his will on his body. Shove it down, Belphegor.

He peels himself from the glue that binds his feet to the doorway and steps hesitantly into the room. The room reeks of Solomon, and not just from his scent. Glistening suncatchers whimsically dangle from the ceiling, one wall is adorned with old, dusty books from floor to ceiling, magical trinkets rest precariously on the edges of drawers, nightstands, and any other surface, and plants large and small sprout from the pots scattered around the room. There are countless empty mugs he has forgotten to bring back down to the kitchen shoved onto any previously vacant surface.

Belphie’s attention moves from one piece of junk to the next before focusing on the bed itself. It looked to be what the humans call a “full sized” bed, big enough for two humans to fit, though Belphie figures it’s only as big as he and Beel’s beds back home. Must be a tight squeeze for two. The fluffy blankets are crumpled disproportionately to one side while the other side is draped primarily with just the sheet. He presses a palm into the mattress and it sinks less readily than Belphie would like in a nest. He pictured the two of you picking it out together. 

“Now, MC,” Solomon would say in his smarmy tone, “It’s best to have a mattress that is somewhat firm. It deters one from oversleeping, and it will be good for your spine in the long run. Trust me, I know from experience that you’ll wish you had taken better care of your bones when you’re old.”

Belphie groans at the thought before dipping down into the side that smells most like you. Your scent is thick and fresh, as if you had slept there just last night. Belphie snarls and immediately jumps up, the propulsion of the springs hastening his movement.

I bet he doesn’t even take the time to nestle into their pillows Belphie thought to himself as he glared daggers at the side that smelled more like Solomon. To inhale their pheromones and feel enveloped their scent and appreciate it. 

Since you left, it wasn’t uncommon to catch even Lucifer resting in your bed on occasion. They were all guilty of it. It still retained your scent, and the brothers found that comforting late at night when they cannot escape their respective longing for you. Recently, though, the aroma has begun dissipating, a combination of time and the brothers’ own smells erasing your scent clinging to the fabrics. Belphie had been excited to take a few moments at least to dive into your sheets and smother himself with your scent. He could bring it home with him and savor it for at least a week if he didn’t wash his jacket. He could cling to the hoodie he wears tonight during his slumber and pretend you were still there with him, nestled against his body and in his bed. But it turns out the scent of your bed was contaminated.

Fortunately for his sanity, he didn’t smell certain hormones or fluids or anything to indicate any funny business happened between the two of you in these sheets. That’s for the best. If Belphie had been hit with the scent of lust mixed with the scents of the two of you, he thinks he would have vomited directly on your comforter.

“Did you find my bed? I knew you’d go looking for it.” You tease, clutching the rail as you stare innocently at him from the stairs. 

“Uhm. Yeah. I found it.” Belphie turns to face you from the room, and his eyes motion to the bed in front of him. He makes no attempt to hide the displeasure on his face. Surprise answers it on your own.

“Nope, that’s Solomon’s room.”

“I can smell you, MC.” Belphie’s eyes narrow as he  replies, pointing to the side piled with blankets, “You sleep on the left.”

“I hang out on the left.” You say, climbing the last few steps and joining him in Solomon’s room, “but I don’t sleep here, not usually anyway. I pass out sometimes, but we just watch shows and play games here a lot.” 

You point casually at the TV shoddily hung on Solomon’s wall opposite the bed. Wires poke haphazardly out the bottom and trail their way to a couple of consoles buried in junk beneath.

“There’s this cartoon I’ve been obsessed with recently that makes me think of you, actually. It’s about these kids who are cute little animals, and they go to camp on a magical island. It’s so soft and cozy and comforting…I keep falling asleep when I turn it on. I wish I could watch it with you. Maybe next time I’m in the demon realm, we can set it up in the attic.”

You pap on his bicep and signal him to follow you, flowing from Belphie’s side, out Solomon’s door, and to a second door Belphie had yet to open. 

Oh.

As you push the door in, a current of your sweet smell crashes like a wave over Belphie’s face. Your scent is like an intoxicating mixture of coffee, books, whiskey, and sugar all mixed together. You smell like home. A contented smile forms and he makes his way to you, careful to seal Solomon’s scent away with the bedroom door on his way out. 

You’re suddenly thrusted into a brief whirlwind of confusion as you’re grappled by Belphie, knocked off your feet and plopped down unharmed into the comfort of your bed. Your bed is the opposite of Solomon's: soft, fluffy, warm, and oozing with you smells. Belphie raises himself up to gaze at you lovingly before playfully nuzzling his face into your neck and inhaling deeply. He releases his breath with a satisfied sigh and melts himself into you. 

“Much better.”

He peppers your cheek with soft, sleepy kisses until he has you a grinning, giggling mess. 

“Let’s take a nap until dinner is ready. Barbatos can finish the rest.”

Barbatos

This was not part of Barbatos’ plan, but he could reassess and regroup. After all, this was only temporary. He would assure that.

Step 1: Serve Lord Diavolo to the best of his ability while he brings about the integration and unity of the three realms.

Step 2: Assure the swift and successful coronation of Lord Diavolo. King Diavolo. 

Step 3: With King Diavolo’s rule solidified and the King’s word absolute, any dissension against angels or humans in the devildom would not be tolerated. The streets of the demon realm would be safer - safer for you to reside in the devildom permanently.

Step 4: With the realm made a better place for you, you live with him, in his care, for the rest of your days. He thought perhaps an emerald in the ring would be best, accented with black diamonds. He had not yet decided whether silver or gold would look best for your band, but he was more than happy to admire you for as long as it took to decide what best suited your coloration.

For now, however, his face remains unwaveringly pleasant as he silently makes note of the dusty floorboards and spattered kitchen counters. He knows Solomon. Solomon doesn’t clean. Not to Barbatos’ standards for your living accommodations, anyway. He watches silently for a few moments as you work alone in your kitchen, smaller than he thought you deserved to have access to. It would have bothered him that Solomon offered no help had Barbatos not also known  he would have rendered each and every item on the menu inedible. All your hard work ruined.

You see him because he allows you to see him. While his presence would ordinarily be welcomed, today your cheeks flush in shame.

“Listen, I know it’s not the cleanest.” You shyly return your attention to the onion you skillfully chop against the cutting board. “I haven’t really had the time to deep clean, not with lessons and work and preparing for the party and…” You trail off, exhaustion lacing your voice. Your eyes seem misty.

“Please, MC, allow me to help. Do the mushrooms still need to be sliced?” Without waiting for an answer, Barbatos swiftly saunters over, scoops the mushrooms off the counter beside you, and drops them gently on the counter in front of himself. One mushroom considers bouncing off the counter, but decides it wouldn’t dare under Barbatos’ watchful eye. You realize your face must betray your emotion.

“Barbatos, I’m fine, really. It’s just the onion.” You point to the onion with your chef knife, and you plead, “you are my guest. I won’t make you work.”

“I am your friend.” He responds, his face focused on the task in front of him as he reaches for the utility knife in your set. He begins quickly and expertly chopping the mushrooms into perfect, uniform slices. “And you are overwhelmed. Your home is dirty because Solomon does not help you with cleaning like he should, yes?”

You remain silent for a moment, considering if you should out Solomon for not doing his share. Barbatos does not allow you to refute it.

“It has been centuries,” Barbatos interjects your thoughts before you can argue. “but Solomon was once royalty. He is independent now, yes, but he never learned how to clean as he should. I fear he is slipping back into the comfort of being taken care of without taking care of you in return.”

You look up at him, and for a moment, you think you see the flash of a scowl before his expression is once again carefully moderated. You had seen it because he had allowed you to see it.

“And of course,” he continued, “you must be doing all of the cooking as well. If he had any part in it, you would certainly be dead by this point.” He finally glanced us at you, his lip curling ever so slightly into a playful smirk. 

The joke catches you off guard and you honk out a laugh.

“One time,” you say through your laughter “I caught him trying to clean the bathroom with bleach and ammonium. Unreal. The man is a master alchemist, and yet he accidentally makes mustard gas in the toilet!”

Barbatos laughs earnestly along and shakes his head. He finishes the last mushroom with a flourish and plops the pieces into a bowl, ready for their future use. He turns around and leans his tall frame against your small counter, assessing your space for a few moments. 

“If I were Solomon,” he mused, almost to himself, “I would ensure your accommodations were immaculate. I would prepare you healthy, delicious meals. Perhaps I would allow you to join me in the kitchen, if only for us to spend the time together. And I see your garden needs attention. I would gladly serve you tea made from those rose petals there once I had finished with the pruning.” He speaks wistfully.

You chuckle. “It does sound nice to be taken care of every once in a while. What with the brothers and Solomon, I can be spread pretty thin. Not a lot left to take care of myself, you know?”

“Perhaps one day, I’ll have the pleasure of doing it for you.” Your eyes widen and your cheeks flush. You look up at him, and he gives you a knowing glance. You hated when he did this. You always wonder: is he teasing, or does he know?

“I have not looked into your future if that is what you are wondering…though I admit, I have considered it once or twice.” You turn to face him fully, the surprise evident on your face. Barbatos chuckles and looks you right in the eyes. “It would ruin the sweet surprise. It will happen because I will make it happen. Your current arrangement is temporary, I assure you.”

Before you can comprehend what is happening, the soft fabric of his gloves are against your cheeks, the warmth of his hands permeating through. He leans in slowly and lovingly plants a petal-soft kiss on the tip of your nose. He holds himself there a moment. You hold your breath until he lets go.

“Now, what do we do with these mushrooms?”

Diavolo

“Yeah, I’ve been doing well!” Lie. “It’s kind of nice to be home, you know?” Lie. “It’s refreshing to be around my own species again.” That one was presented as a joke, but it was still, factually, a lie. Did you usually lie this much? Diavolo hadn’t noticed if you had. And he would have noticed.

It was ultimately his fault, and he understood that. The devildom was under his rule, and had his whims overtaken him, he could have ordered you to stay. It just wasn’t time. Not yet. There was still so much work to be done.

Step 1: Bring about the integration and unity of the three realms.

Step 2: His swift and successful coronation.

Step 3: With his rule solidified and the King’s word absolute, no one would dare go against him when he appoints you as Human Ambassador to the demon realm. With such an important position within the new government system, so much as a finger lifted against you would be treason in his book. He would make the realm safe for you.

Step 4: Argue to the council that it is a political marriage. 

That’s the dream that keeps Diavolo going, anyway. His golden orbs lift from the mushrooms he unceremoniously shoves to the side of his plate (subtly, so he didn’t hurt your feelings, of course) over to Barbatos, who watches you with a genuine smile as you speak. What were you saying? Something about a stray cat? Back down to the mushrooms.

He knew the likelihood of this plan succeeding was low - just a dream to keep him working at his goal of unification. What will probably happen is that he will have a spouse chosen for him. Someone he might not yet know, whoever the council sees as the most advantageous choice. Likely a female, as is tradition. Likely traditionally pretty, the boring kind of pretty. Barbatos would intervene only enough to ensure he doesn’t dislike his appointed queen. Maybe Diavolo would even grow to love them one day. But it isn’t what he wants. Who he wants. He would be expected to produce a line of heirs - full-blood demon heirs - and cambion mutts just wouldn’t do. Not his words, of course. That’s what the tabloids said the last time the two of you were seen in public together. They called you his concubinatus. The writer of the article is longer there. No one knows where they are now except Barbatos.

“There's not really anything preventing MC from marrying me, right? Since we’re both humans and all." Solomon’s words echo in Diavolo’s mind, his smug grin still burned into the back of Diavolo’s retinas. The brothers had been more than willing to marry you into the devildom, but Diavolo had not allowed it. If anyone was going to marry you in, it was going to be him. He knew the likelihood of your union going smoothly was slim, but it would not stop him from trying. He was not above monopolizing you. He was the demon lord, not the lord of selflessness. But you were out of his hands here and settled in Solomon’s. He couldn’t stand it.

“Do you think you’ll ever get married, MC?” He later asks you casually as he helps you prepare the bonfire. Barbatos had half-heartedly attempted to dissuade him, as his suit could get dirty, but Diavolo insisted. He hadn’t gotten any alone time with you today, and he likely wouldn’t see you again for a while. He didn’t care about some frivolous suit. You drop the stick you’re holding, but it tumbles into the fire pit, so you figure you can leave it be. 

“Where did that come from?” Your flushed face is camouflaged well by the fading sunset. You quickly grab another bundle to continue building the fire. Diavolo casually swirls the wine in his goblet and peers in, probably inspecting some aspect of the wine that you have no eye for. The sunset hides his own flush from the alcohol. He remained silent, expecting an answer.

“U-Uhm. I suppose that depends on if I find the right person.” You fumble with a few sticks in your grasp before dumping them beside the fire. You crouch down and begin strategically arranging the sticks around lumps of kindling. 

Truth.

“Could you…” Perhaps he shouldn’t ask you this. He’s admittedly afraid of the answer. “...see yourself marrying Solomon?”

“What?”

Silence.

“I…” You thought for a moment, laughed, and shook your head. “I don’t think so.”

LIE. 

Diavolo expertly shoots the rest of his wine like it wasn’t at least half a goblet.

“We aren’t together or anything, if that’s what you’re trying to figure out. You aren’t being very subtle, you know.” You tease.

This was true.

“I guess I could see marrying Solomon if things didn’t work out, but…there’s someone I have my eye on.” You shove some dry grass between the logs, trying to hide behind your task.

True. 

“I don’t see how it would work. I don’t think I would be anywhere near his radar, but…” Perhaps it’s the sunset, perhaps it’s the wine swimming around in your blood, but you felt a bit bold. You look up, directly into his eyes, slightly luminous in the encroaching darkness of the night. “...The heart wants what the heart wants.”

Oh shit, wait, what? Are you coming on to him? Right now?

“Do…I know this person?” Perhaps it’s the wine he just downed, but he too is feeling bold. The corner of his lip quivers ever so slightly in the attempt to hide a grin threatening to spread across his face, just in case he’s wrong. But he doesn’t think so. 

“You do.” You stand up and dust your hand off on your pants.

Truth.

He tries to bite his lip to keep his face in line, but his lip rolls beneath his fangs and the corners of his eyes crinkle. The way you’re looking at him, there’s no way he’s misinterpreting it. You take a shy step closer, your eyes flit from his eyes to his fangs and quickly back up.

“Is it…me?” Diavolo asks playfully, now inches from your face.

“No.” You shrug. You casually toss a few more sticks into the fire pit.

With a snap of his fingers, the fire is lit. It roars to life and lights up your faces, your goofy grins and reddened cheeks on full display. The warmth of the blaze is matched only by the warmth of Diavolo’s arms snaking around your waist. 

“Liar.”

His mouth envelops yours in an instant.

______________________________________________________________

@dokidokidemons, @ourfinalisation

[bekkathyst]

Some of my favorite meals I’ve made this summer, most with either food from my garden or foraged!

Here’s what everything is:

Mushroom “pot roast”, chile verde rice bowl, squash blossom quesadillas, breakfast tacos, wild green pesto pasta with stuffed and fried squash blossoms, honey baked filo wrapped feta with garden salad, our birthday party feast (lots of fruit, big salad, garden focaccia not pictured, a birthday cake made with himalayan balsam blossom raspberry jam not pictured, and blackberry rolls), roasted veg mix with Bärlauchbutter, falafel with rice and cucumber salad, and my latest creation which is squash blossom mac and cheese with crispy garlic green beans. I’ll probably do another post with things that didn’t fit in this one!

Oh, this has been so fun! I’m now ready for many stews and soups and chestnuts and wild mushrooms, please 🌰🍄‍🟫🍄

[saltylittlecreature]

D100 Food list

A friend asked me to make this for an RPG thing. Now it's run into complications, so here is a list of 100 different foods that can be considered for whatever characters you have in mind.

Hamburger helper

Phantasmal popcorn that shows visions of the past.

Grilled Eggplant lasagna

Fried chicken sandwich

Sloppy joe

Vegan gluten free mac and cheese

Microwave bacon

Bread

Cake that changes its ingredients based on the eater's mood.

Ramen noodles with fried egg

Ghost pepper wings that cause time dilation effects.

Pizza

Mysterious stew that induces vivid hallucinations.

Sushi

Hamburger

Fried chicken

Biscuits

Buttered rum

Neocí

Transdimensional tea that allows glimpses into alternate realities

Raw butter

Champagne armagnac mir lemon drink with caramelized butter on top

Pound cake with carigold butter

Satan sausage (Spicy meat sausage with marsala sauce)

Omlett

Anything with paprika

Cold coffee

Anomalous spicy noodles that change flavor every bite.

Mozzarella sticks

Classic Margherita pizza

Well done smores

Biscuit burger

Black bean tacos with avocado

Raw Eggs

Mentaiko spaghetti with lemon, butter, and soy sauce

Meatball sub

Beef stroganoff over egg noodles

Ravioli

Thai green curry with chicken

Cold pizza

Steak

Convenience store  brand grilled chicken breast

Protein bar

Salmon Onigiri

Mediterranean quinoa salad

Muscle chicken

Vegemite

Creamy mushroom risotto

Pineapple

Steamed chicken pack (Convenience store preserved chicken)

Chicken bars (Minced and boil chicken breast)

Egg salad sandwiches

Ratatouille served with crusty bread

Chocolate satin pie

Banana

Mint chip cookies

Fish and chips with tartar sauce

Strudel

Nabi

Pork katsu

Smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese

Spam

Shape-shifting salad that takes on the form of the eater’s favorite vegetables.

Fried fish

Sugar that enhances or dulls emotions based on color.

Rice

Savory apple and cheese tart

Strawberry shortcake

Roasted vegetable medley

Royal milk tea cake

Yaki micu

Chocolate quesant

Pad Thai with shrimp

Burnt ends

Fresh fruit smoothie bowl

Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives

Barbecue

Falafel wrap with tahini sauce

Saki soaked rice

Butter nails lobster

Grilled octopus with lemon and herbs

Chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream

Pork belly bao buns

Stuffed bell peppers with rice and beans

Vegan lentil soup

Cloud cake that makes the eater feel weightless.

Inverted soup that serves as a window to another dimension.

Whispering wine that reveals secrets when drunk.

Any Parfies

Ethereal pizza that changes toppings based on cravings.

Grilled fish tacos with slaw

Metamorphic cheese that changes texture with each bite.

Almond croissants fresh from the bakery

Dancing donuts that move when not being watched.

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cheese

Okonomiyaki that lets you stretch more

Arugula salad with lemon dressing

Tiyaki that increases your sense of taste.

ratatouille

Muffins

[ofthecaravel]

2025 ins

- barefoot contessa

- citrus

- saturday night (2024)

- muna

- cheesecake

- fresh baked sourdough

- costume jewelry

- cars 2

- drinking your water

- jeffrey garten

- falafel

- mushrooms

[morethansalad]

Baked Falafel Mahshi / Savory Falafel Patties with Onion & Sumac Filling (Vegan)

[genekies]

so I just took the dough out of the freezer and it's still crumbly. Like I forced it into a ball then flattened it in a bag. I popped it into the toaster oven.

It was a flat sheet of cookie, I really hope it turns out okay. It's got like 6 minutes left. I WILL cry.

we got supernatural on the tv, vegan cookies that abt to go into the oven, and a coffee with whiskey

life is good

[acti-veg]

18 Plant-Based Protein Sources

Protein is often raised as a concern for people considering adopting a plant-based diet, and because we’ve all been taught to associate protein primarily with red meat, this is not surprising.

It is estimated that most adults require a minimum of 56 grams of protein per day; you’re probably hitting that number now if you’re not in a calorie deficit. If you’re trying to lose weight and so are cutting calories then you may need to track your protein a little more closely, but 56 grams is very easy to hit without having to think about it.

It gets a bit more difficult if you’re very physically active, particularly if you’re engaged in regular endurance or strength training. There is a great deal of disagreement about precisely how much protein is ideal if you’re trying to build muscle, but 1g of protein per 1lb of bodyweight is very doable, which is the amount often recommended in bodybuilding circles. It is very achievable to hit even the upper end of protein requirement estimates using only plant-based foods, as demonstrated by the success of many vegan athletes. Listed below are particularly good options.

1) Lentils - Lentils are a cheap nutritional powerhouse, and provide about 17 grams of protein per cup. They’re also very flexible, you can have them as your main protein source of a meal, use them to substitute mince in a pasta dish, make burgers out of them, or put them in a stir fry or with rice and veg with some seasonings. They are cheap and convenient if you buy them canned, since they’re ready to eat, though I would recommend at least warming them up.

2) Chickpeas - Chickpeas are a popular vegan staple, and it’s not hard to see why. At approximately 14.5 grams of protein per cup, they’re nutrient-dense and very flexible. Use them to make hummus or falafel, as the main protein source of a curry, on their own with rice or worked into a salad. You can also just air fry/grill them with some oil and spices for a convenient, crunchy snack.

3) Oats - A cup of dry oats is around 11 grams of protein by itself. Making it with a cup of oat milk brings that up to 14 grams, throw in a tablespoon of peanut butter and you’re up to about 17.5 grams at breakfast, and all those ingredients are pretty cheap and very filling. You could add something like nuts or chia seeds as a topping to stretch that to well over 20 grams.

4) Nuts - Peanuts are 9.5 grams per ¼ cup, almonds are 7g, pistachios 6g, cashews 5g, hazelnuts 5g, brazil nuts 4.75g, walnuts 4.5g and pine nuts are 4.5g. You can buy 1kg bags of mixed nuts for a little bit cheaper and keep them in a jar for a healthy snack. I find it better to make your own mix, or buy a mixed bag that doesn’t have peanuts in then add the peanuts later, as mixes that include peanuts tend to work out as less for your money. Peanut butter is also a cost-effective way to add protein to many snacks and meals.

5) Beans - Depending on the type, beans are anything from around 10-15 grams of protein per cup. Some are better than others, like kidney beans, but even your standard baked beans are high in protein and very good for you. Turn them into a chilli, have them on toast, on a jacket potato, turn them into a bean burger or make them the protein base of a salad or soup. Kidney, soy, and edamame beans are particularly good options.

6) Seitan - When cooked, seitan closely resembles to look and feel of meat. It is made of wheat gluten and has 25 grams of protein per 100 gram serving. It is not very widely available in supermarkets, but try your local Asian market, where it will usually be cheaper as well. It’s a bit of a hassle, but you can also make your own at home, which is extremely cheap as it’s just wheat gluten, yeast, plant milk, miso, and spices.

7) Tofu/Tempeh - A staple in Asian cooking, don’t be afraid to try this one. Think of it as doing all the same things chicken does in terms of recipes, it soaks up the flavour around it. It needs to be pressed before use, or you can avoid that by just freezing it, then thawing overnight when you want to use it. 100 grams of tofu (less than half a small block) contains about 12g grams of protein, depending on the type. Some tofu, like Naked TooFoo, is pre-pressed for you.

8) Soy Chunks - Soy chunks come in a pretty unappetizing form that looks a bit like dried dog food. Just soak them in lightly salted hot water or vegetable stock for 15 minutes and they'll come to life, behaving like faux chicken pieces. You can then just cook, fry or bake them as you would with any soy product or tofu. They're much like tofu in that they'll soak up whatever sauce you cook them in. They're extremely cheap, have an amazing shelf life, and are a whopping 50g of protein per 100g. This is what I use to make the equivalent of that 'chicken, broccoli, and rice' meal high-protein meal that bodybuilders love so much.

9) Faux Meats - Faux meats are an easy way to add a protein base to your meal, and have the advantage of serving the same function on a plate as the foods you were used to before you went vegan. A Beyond burger, for example, has 19g of protien per patty, though you can get much cheaper options that have a similar nutritional profile. Pair that with a wholemeal bun and something like brown rice/quinoa and vegetables and you can create a very high-protein meal.

10) Grains - All grains are good for protein, these include quinoa, spelt, brown/wild rice, teff, amaranth, and sorghum. They can range anywhere between 5 and 8 grams per 100 grams, and you’ll usually be serving them with some sort of protein source. They’re also an excellent source of fibre and carbohydrates, which are also important for training and general health. Quinoa in particular provides all 22 essential amino acids.

11) Peas - Green peas are not mentioned much when it comes to high protein options, but a cup of cooked peas is a respectable 9 grams of protein, and it’s worth mentioning here because they tend to be used more as a side than main, so can be paired with other high protein options. They’re also very cheap, freeze well, and are easy to prepare.

12) Seeds - Just a tablespoon of chia seeds is nearly 3 grams of protein, and the seeds are so small and tasteless that you don’t actually notice them in anything you put them in, making them an easy way to add protein to just about any meal. They’re pretty cheap to buy in large quantities, particularly good to replace eggs in baking, to add to bread flour, salads and oatmeal. Other high-protein seeds include pumpkin, sunflower, linseed, hempseeds, and buckwheat.

13) Bread - Bread may not immediately come to mind when you’re thinking about protein, but wholegrain/rye/spelt breads can be very high in protein, anywhere from 3g all the way up to around 10g per slice, particularly for seeded loaves. If you really want to turn bread into a high protein food, invest in a bread maker or bake it yourself, that way you can add nuts, seeds and oats yourself to up the nutritional value. That’s just the bread too, a hummus and falafel sandwich with a high protein bread can be very nutritionally dense.

14) Fruit and veg - Worth mentioning here, as they’re something you’ll need to consume to maintain a healthy diet anyway, and some options have moderate protein. The higher protein options include broccoli, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, which all contain 4–5 grams of protein per cooked cup. Likewise, blueberries, guava, bananas and nectarines contain about 2-4 grams of protein per cup, as well as many other essential vitamins.

15) Nutritional Yeast - No vegan list is complete without mentioning it, it’s a vegan staple for its nutty, cheesy flavour, as well as being an easy source of vitamin B12. It’s a complete protein that has 8 grams of protein per 16 grams serving, making it an easy way to add more protein to things like pizza, pasta dishes, or a jacket potato. Use it to make cheesy sauces, or just sprinkle it on anything you’d have previousy added parmesan cheese to.

16) Protein Bars - They tend to be on the expensive side, but there are a few plant-based options. I’d recommend Misfit bars if you can get them online, they’re low sugar, 15g of protein per bar, and you can buy them in variety packs of 40 which works out cheaper. Trek also has protein flapjack bars, they're less protein (8-9g) but are much cheaper in packs of 3 and frequently available at a discount. Check your local health stores for their own brand versions too, some are very good.

Most brands won’t be suitable as a daily option for many people given the price, but they're great for when you need something to sate your hunger on the go when you'd usually reach for a chocolate bar or junk food. You can also just make protein bars at home using nothing but oats, cinnamon, baking soda, a little maple/golden syrup, and a couple of scoops of plant-based protein powder.

17) Protein Powders - If you're trying to substantially increase your protein but don't want to eat high quantities of food, protein powder will help you out Even the cheaper powders are around 18g of protein per scoop, so a shake is an easy way to add more protein to your diet, or you can stir it into oatmeal to get most of your daily requirements over breakfast. Add some peanut butter, chia seeds, a banana, and some plant milk to a shake to make them tastier and more nutritionally dense. I use the vegan protein powder by Protein Works, because I like the taste and the high-quality protein sources they use. There are plenty of other good (and cheaper) options on the market, though.

18) Meal Replacement Powders - Some meal replacement shakes, like Huel Black, are around 40 grams of protein per serving (2 scoops) even when made with just water, providing a cheap and easy way to have a high protein and nutritious meal without any preparation or fuss. This is the one I use, but a lot of the diet and meal replacement shake options are vegan and are generally high in protein. If you're trying to just add protein then a protein shake will be more cost-effective, but as a high protein replacement for an actual meal, they are good to have around. Note: I don’t accept sponsorship or commissions from any brand and I don’t have any affiliate links. Any product recommendations are based solely on my own experience.

[hebrewbyinbal]

Tomorrow is Purim eve, a holiday filled with joy, costumes, and a unique tradition:

Gift baskets given to friends and family.

The singular form is in the image above, while the plural is /meesh-lo-'khey ma-'not/ משלוחי מנות.

In Israel, this custom is deeply ingrained in the Purim atmosphere.

One of the most familiar sights during Purim is children in costumes carrying beautifully wrapped gift packages.

Schools, workplaces, and communities organize large-scale Purim gift basket exchanges, often with fun themes or surprise pairings.

Supermarkets are stocked with festive boxes, and even those who aren’t particularly observant take part in the joy of giving.

Unlike in some places where these packages might consist mostly of store-bought treats, in Israel, homemade baked goods, fresh fruit, and even savory items like bourekas or small sandwiches are common additions.

The origin of משלוח מנות comes from Megilat Esther (9:22):

"To observe them as days of feasting and joy and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor."

This shows that the mitzvah is about fostering unity and friendship, ensuring that everyone has enough food to celebrate Purim properly.

The term משלוח מנות /meesh-'lo-akh ma-'not/ originally meant simply “sending portions”, rather than referring to a specific package.

The term makes sense in Modern Hebrew, as משלוח /meesh-'lo-akh/ is the modern Hebrew word for Delivery, and מנות /ma-'not/ is the plural form of portion (as in food) and course (as in a meal).

So, in Israel in 2025, you give משלוח מנות /meesh-'lo-akh ma-'not/, or in plural משלוחי מנות /meesh-lo-'khey ma-'not/.

When you go to a restaurant, you have:

First course (appetizer) מנה ראשונה /ma-'nah ree-sho-'nah/

Main course מנה עיקרית /ma-'nah ee-ka-'reet/ – Main course

And you can ask for חצי מנה /kha-'tsee ma-'nah/ of falafel if you want half a portion (50% of the full size).

Biblical Hebrew and Modern Hebrew are like the same person at different stages of life — some things remain unchanged, while others evolve completely.

Happy Purim! 🎭🎉

[bluedalahorse]

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Dear Friends,

The cherry blossoms are at peak bloom in the District of Columbia, and I miss you.

I think what I mean is, I miss the version of you that could come and meet up with a version of me here. I miss the safe future opportunity to drag you around this already beautiful city and show you what I love about it.

I’d take you to all the bookstores and list the pros and cons of each one. I’d show you the one connected to the restaurant, where I grabbed a celebratory lunch after receiving my first grown up job offer. I’d tell you that I made the best friends at East City Books. I’d proudly point out all the libraries along the way.

We’d go to museums. Maybe the National Building Museum, which was my favorite field trip in second grade. Definitely we’d go to the Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of African American History and Culture. We’d catch the other Smithsonians based on our tolerance for groups of field trip kids in bright neon shirts. If we end up at Air and Space, I’d use you as my excuse to go see the planetarium show.

At the zoo I’d tell you that pandas just look like humans in panda suits to me.

Maybe, if it was June, the Kennedy Center would be lit up in rainbow colors. We could look at it from afar on the steps of the Swedish embassy, or we could go up close and explore the sculptures.

I’d point out the Watergate and say, “I’m pretty sure it’s haunted.”

Maybe if it’s a nice day, we could go roller skating at Anacostia Park. I still haven’t crossed it off my bucket list yet! You could be my companion and watch me skate really badly.

We could try so much food. We could split a vegetarian Ethiopian meal. Later we could go to the Finnish cafe on R street. We could go so many places and get sushi or dumplings or soul food or tacos or blue crabs or falafel or empanadas or varenyky or French pastries. Of course we would get the giant cupcakes at Baked and Wired, because the ones at Georgetown Cupcake are just too small.

We’d listen for all the different languages as we walked outdoors. On U Street I’d tell you to listen for music and say “see? that’s Gogo!” Maybe downtown we’d pass by a demonstration, and the bucket drums would provide a bright, friendly rhythm for our walk.

We’d identify flags—the flags hanging from embassies, the flags hanging from apartment windows and from the rear view mirrors of cabs.

We’d ride the metro together. I’d walk you to the very end of the platform, where you can get the train cars with the most seats. I’d teach you how to navigate the buses, too.

I’d explain to you that this is my home. I’d say that of course city isn’t perfect, but it helps to know that Martin Luther King’s statue looks out across the water at the Jefferson Memorial, that Dr. King’s gaze challenges Jefferson—and us—to expand our definitions of freedom and equality to more people.

I am writing this because I miss you, and I miss the opportunity to show you this. Whatever happens, know that these things were at one point real. That this place I call home was at one point real. 

I do not know exactly what the future will bring. I know it will bring a fight. I know it is going to bring hardship. I know it could even transform this city into something unrecognizable.

I hope the future will one day bring us back together, all the same. Me and you and the city.

With love,

Blue